Naija Super 8 tournament: NPFL champions, Enyimba bows out in group stage

Enyimba have become the first team to be eliminated from the Naija Super 8 tournament following their loss to Katsina United.

The Nigerian Professional League (NPL) Champions, who were tipped to win the competition, bowed out after a sub-par performance at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

A loss against Remo Stars on the opening day, a team they had not defeated in their last three meetings, and a draw to NPFL new boys, Sporting Lagos, meant the champions needed to channel their winning spirit to make their fans proud during their final group game, but that was not the case.

Enyimba’s coach, Finidi George, who earlier, maintained his stance that his team stood a chance of qualification, also mentioned that rest and injuries played vital roles in the team’s performances at the tournament.

The coach further noted that his boys needed a break, especially since continental competitions are on the cards as well.

Speaking to Soccernet.ng, the coach bemoaned his team’s lack of rest. He said; “When you get to this stage when players should be resting, we’re still playing, and coupled with injuries, as some of our players didn’t come, it’s a hard one. If that must have accepted the players, I can’t say.”

“The players do their best, but this is not what I know us to be, but fatigue is setting in, and immediately after this, we’re going into the pre-season, and I don’t know how we can get all these players ready for the CAF Super League, and the Champions League as well. We all need rest.”